Developing Your Educational Philosophy Statement
DR. JOHN CHURCHLEY
ADAPTED FROM A PRESENTATION BY: DR. KAREN DENSKY
Learning intentions
1. What is a EPS?
2. Why do I need one?
3. What does a good one look like?
4. How do I write one?
What?Philosophy of Teaching Statement = faculty that directly teach students
Educational Philosophy Statement = faculty that provide many types of educational support for students (including teaching)
What?
A professional philosophy is a self-reflective statement of your beliefs about education. It should also discuss how you put your beliefs into practice by including concrete examples of what you do in your professional work.
https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-philosophy
What?
PEDAGOGY
EPISTEMOLOGY
What?
PEDAGOGY
The method and practice of
teaching, especially as an academic
subject or theoretical concept.
en.oxforddictionaries.com
What?
”You don’t believe things because they make your life better, you believe them because they’re true”
Veronica Roth (2013), Allegiant
EPISTEMOLOGY OF EDUCATIONWhat do you believe about education?What do you know about education?
What?
What are some theories/beliefs about
learning and education?
(some epistemological pedagogies?)
Think – Pair - Share
Why?
To concisely gather together your beliefs
about education so that you can easily articulate
them to students, your peers, and search
committees.
https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-
philosophy
Why?
To make your epistemological
pedagogies transparent
Why?
An introduction to student-centred parts of your portfolio,
thus setting the stage for the reader of that portfolio.
https://cei.umn.edu/writing-your-teaching-philosophy
Why?
How long?
A traditional Educational Philosophy is typically 1-2 pages single spaced
Examples
Business
Social Work
Anthropology
Chemistry
Educational Research, Technology and Leadership
Nursing
Retrieved from University of Florida, Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning:
https://www.fctl.ucf.edu/FacultySuccess/ProfessionalPortfolios/philosophies.php
Rubric for an Educational Philosophy Statement
Meeting
Expectations
Somewhat
Meeting
Expectations
Not Meeting
Expectations
Purpose & Audience
Clear focus or theme
Appropriate tone
Free of clichés
Holds attention
Voice
Authentic (“I”)
Reveals self
Demonstrates investment
Demonstrates enthusiasm
Beliefs & Illustrative Examples
Clearly stated beliefs
Rationale for beliefs
Specific examples of strategies, methods,
or theories
Conventions
Headings, paragraphs, transitions
Appropriate length & thematic style
No distracting grammar, spelling errors
Freewriting SessionGuidelines:
1. You will be presented with 8 Key Questions one at a time.
2. Think about each question and write the first ideas that come to mind.
3. Keep writing until the next question is presented.
4. Don’t edit or critique what you write.
5. Make connections between responses by drawing lines or arrows.
Key Question #1
How do I learn?
How do people learn?
Key Question #2
How did educators facilitate my learning?
How do I facilitate student learning?
Key Question #3
What expectations do I have of students?
Key Question #4
What expectations do students have of me?
Key Question #5
What do I do to implement my beliefs about learning? (my epistemological pedagogies)
Give specific examples.
Key Question #6
Are these things working?
How do I know?
Key Question #7
How do I know my expectations of students are met?
How do I know student expectations of me are met?
Key Question #8
How will I continue to grow as an educator?
Elevator Pitch
1. Highlight or circle some of the significant ideas or terms from your brainstorming session.
2. Create a short (1-2 minute) elevator pitch.
3. Present your EPS Pitch to a partner (record with your device if desired)
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Closing
ONE WORD THAT EMBODIES YOUR
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY.
COMMITMENT CARD
ENVELOPE WITH YOUR OWN ADDRESS
References
University of Central Florida. (2017). Sample Teaching Philosophies. Retrieved from: http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/facultysuccess/professionalportfolios/philosophies.php
University of Minnesota. (2017).Writing a Teaching Philosophy. Retrieved from: https://cei.umn.edu/support-services/tutorials/writing-teaching-philosophy